Baby Steps

Chapter 9: In My Daughter's Eyes

           

After Rosie's suspicions were confirmed that she and Marco were having a daughter, it seemed as if their preparation had gone into overdrive. They looked into and purchased a few things to set up the nursery; which they decided was going to be themed pink and white chevron elephants with hints of grey- to honor her nickname in utero. Rosie and Marco aspired to give their daughter the best life possible and what better way to start than with her own little corner of the house?

During their little outings to the mall and baby outlets, Rosie was a little concerned about how she and Marco were able to afford everything that their daughter would need. Marco then figured that now was a good time as any to come clean about what he had been up to lately. He took a deep, cleansing breath and confessed that he had applied for and gotten a job as a teacher's assistant at Finch Elementary School.

"That's great, baby but what about the food truck?' Rosie asked as a look of grave concern began to fill her wide blue eyes with hormonal, overwhelmed tears.

Marco knew that Rosie's mind would immediately go to the fate of the business they had worked so hard to build and maintain over the years. Thankfully, he was able to formulate the perfect and logical response.

"The truck line is only ever so popular during the summer. So, we would need to find another way to bring in the cheddar for the rest of the year" Marco answered with a shrug and a sly grin; which he knew Rosie could never resist.

Rosie then took some time to really process all the information. She was worried that she would be left to take care of the baby all by herself and Marco would be too tired to help out. But deep down, she knew she had to have some faith in him. Just as she was about to respond, Marco took the liberty of further explaining the bright side to having a second job. He would get paid a lot more, the hours were flexible and he would be coming home early in the afternoon so that he didn't miss out on getting the baby down for the night.

"Okay. I just want her to have the best life possible" Rosie sighed as she buried her face into Marco's shoulder as they walked past the baby travel system section.

"And that's exactly what she's going to have. I don't want you to worry too much, okay? Tomorrow's a big day for us all" Marco responded as he placed a sweet kiss on Rosie's cheek, reminding her that her birthday was in a matter hours.

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Rosie woke up beside herself the next morning at 9am. She rubbed the dried tears out of her eyes and looked down at her 6 month size bump; smiling at the thought that she would be able to hold her little miracle in a matter of three short months. As Rosie continued to envision her life in the next three months, she was brought back to reality as Marco surprised her with breakfast in bed; which consisted of chocolate chip and banana pancakes with whip cream, freshly cut up kiwi and strawberries, all complimented by a glass of milk.

"Happy birthday, babe" Marco said as he placed the tray onto Rosie's lap and they shared a light peck on the lips.

"Thanks. This all looks so good" Rosie sighed in amazement as she looked at Marco's beautiful presentation.

"Well, thanks for being born" he replied with a chuckle as he watched his girlfriend thoroughly enjoy the fruits of his labor; knowing that in due time, he would be basking in the glow of hers.

After breakfast had been consumed and dishes had been loaded, Rosie asked what the plans were for the rest of the day; to which Marco responded by saying that it was completely up to her. This day was all about her and whatever her heart desired. There were times when Marco wished that everyone had someone as amazing as Rosie in their lives. But knowing that God only made one of her made him believe he had all the more reason to be the luckiest man on earth. Rosie was one of a kind and Marco could only hope that their daughter would be as well.